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'We couldn’t afford to wait:' Why one Mesa brewery closed its taproom to focus on bottling

Nicole Ludden
Arizona Republic

Lochiel Brewing, a brewery in east Mesa, is closing indefinitely to start the transformation from a taproom and brewery to a bottling line operation. Customers will continue to be able to purchase beer, but it will not be served onsite. 

As of May 23, the Scottish-style brewery has closed its in-person drinking area. While Lochiel Brewing will continue manufacturing its beers and lagers, it will do so without a bar. 

According to owner Ian CameronLochiel Brewing will clear out its old taproom to make room for a bottling machine and will self-distribute its beer to retailers licensed to sell liquor in the state.

"We just bottle the beer, package it, go around and sell it to the licensed retailers and rinse and repeat. Basically, we’d have continuity regardless the shutdown if it were to happen again," Cameron said.

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Why he decided to close the taproom

With only 10 spots at the bar and 24 seats at tables throughout the taproom, Cameron says reopening Lochiel Brewing's taproom with social distancing guidelines in place would not only be difficult, but financially cumbersome. 

"We decided to switch to full production because we couldn’t afford to wait until people become comfortable again. The restrictions set forth for social distancing are too restrictive," Cameron said. "We are used to a regular capacity of 60% or better, anything less would just make us lose money, and that makes the social aspect complete nonsense."

The brewery opened in Mesa in 2017 as the first Scottish brewery in the U.S. Now, Lochiel Brewing plans to sell its bottled beer to gas stations, food stores and restaurants that sell craft beer. 

"We’re not interested in playing the tap time game anymore," he said. "We have a consistent product that is perfectly ready for prime time distribution."

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Although he says the decision to close the taproom wasn't easy, Cameron expects his brewing company to have a much greater reach. 

"Our products are going to be more widely available and not within the limitations of one location to get it from," Cameron said. "Lochiel Brewing will become more of a household brand."